A councillor has launched a campaign to secure a presidential nomination for Eamon O Cuiv.

Ollie Crowe urged his Fianna Fail colleagues to back the former minister and defy the party line to support incumbent Michael D Higgins.

Last month leader Micheal Martin confirmed the party would back Mr Higgins if he chose to seek a second term.

That stance is in contrast to calls at the Ard Fheis for them to put forward their own candidate.

Speaking on Drive Time yesterday, Cllr Crowe said: “We must run a candidate. In my opinion, Eamon is the best elected member we have in Fianna Fail.

In a letter sent to councillors, he insisted the Galway West TD would make an “outstanding candidate”.

President Michael D Higgins speaks to the crowd during a reception for women who worked in Magdalenes laundries at Aras An Uachtarain Dublin. (Image: Photo Gareth Chaney Collins)

Cllr Crowe said he strongly believes the party “should put forward a candidate for the first office in the land .

He added: “We have a duty to do so in the best interests of democracy along with a responsibility to thousands of Fianna Fail members across the country to provide a candidate they can proudly support”.

Mr O Cuiv, a grandson of Fianna Fail founder Eamon de Valera, was named deputy leader of the party in 2011.

Socially conservative he opposed repealing the Eighth Amendment and is a hugely popular figure within the party.

Cllr Crowe said “sitting on the sidelines is not a suitable or appropriate option” as that would be turning away from a political race.

He continued: “The lack of consultation with representatives and members of the party in making this decision was an error but it is not one we need to live with.”

He also spoke of having had the “privilege” of working with Mr O Cuiv on Galway City Council.